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Monday, April 30, 2012

Here is part 4 of our four-part series on bargello quilts. Today we're featuring the intricate and colorful designs of Dereck C. Lockwood. His designs incorporate zig zags, spheres, medallions and diamonds in geometric patterns that often include mirror-image and other kaleidoscopic effects. His distinctive and elaborate bargellos bring to mind the 17th century tapestries that inspired the genre.

Here is a new style Bargello quilt forming a medallion in the center of the quilt; the curved bargello radiates away from the center like ripples in a pond. The fabrics are from the Shadow Play Collection by Maywood Studio.

"Lavender Blue" was designed using analogous hues of Lavender, Blue and Green. It is easily made by sewing panels in specific color sequences and then re-cutting them into specified strip widths which are sewn together to make a row of the quilt following a printed color chart. It is surrounded by a border of strip-pieced blocks that adds to the dimensional appearance of the quilt.

In this bed size quilt, the interlacing of the colors creates a striking and contemporary effect. Dereck says that it is easy to make with his strip piecing technique. We first came across this great design, in a smaller size, at a quilt show last year (shown below).

We love the bright colors and interesting patterns in "Disco", which is the third pattern in Dereck Lockwood's series of strip pieced Bargello Designs. This vibrating design is made with the Shadowplay line of fabrics by Maywood Studio or you can use up some of your stash to make it more personally yours.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Join us today for more fabulous bargello quilts, as we take a look at the wonderful work of New Zealand artist, designer, and teacher, Ruth Blanchet. Well-known for her numerous award-winning quilts, Ruth is the owner of Arbee Designs. Her company publishes quilt patterns in New Zealand and the U.S.A, supplying the major countries of the world with innovative designs.

When a quilter designs a bargello quilt, she traditionally begins by drawing a wavy line on paper or a computer screen. She then designs rectangles and squares of fabric which follow the wavy line in a stair-step or offset pattern. That way, the straight edge of the fabric is able to approximate the wavy line. This pattern is known as "the bargello curve." When you look at a bargello quilt, you will always be able to see the curve that defines the pattern; and you will also be able to see the rows of fabric adjacent to it, whose arrangement echoes that curve.

In the case of "Bargello Blues", the bargello curve is a very sophisticated type of whorl or vortex, done in deep midnight blue to clearly define it. Gorgeous monochromatic and analogous colors of icy blue, mint green, and shades of cyan blue follow the curve and create a glowing, beautiful background. This bestselling pattern can be found at Arbee Designs, and Ruth also teaches an online class for this advanced design at Quilt University. In addition to the smaller size wall hanging, you can choose to make this quilt in size 47 x 51.

In "Bargello Swirl" you can see 5 distinct bargello curves which create a fantastic pinwheel or kaleidoscope effect. Ruth writes, "This colorful bargello is circular rather than the standard rectangular shape. The bargello is created with a 9 degree wedge ruler, and after the piecing is all finished, it is sewn to the background square. The raw edges can be turned under and stitched in place, or finished with a binding edge. Afraid of small pieces ? Don't be. This design is strip pieced, and then wedges are cut from the pieced block, making them much more manageable." Ruth teaches a class in this circular bargello - and other patterns - at her own website, Academy of Quilting.

This dazzling quilt is comprised of three interlocking bargello curves which use monochromatic colorways to produce a very intriguing three dimensional effect.Notice that they are pointed both at the top and the bottom, changing the traditional bargello flame shape to more of a curved diamond effect.

Ruth says, "Color Connections" is an advanced bargello design using three color gradients of fabric on black. This design lends itself to any color combination. Imagine using the primary colors red, blue, and yellow, or the secondary colors green, purple, and orange. You can also use just two color gradients making the two outside links of the same color set. The ideas are endless. This pattern comes with full details on how to piece and quilt this beautiful design and also includes a full color insert grid so you can follow the directions with ease."

Image credits: Images are shown with the generous permission of Ruth Blanchet.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

This week, we are learning more about Bargello quilts and the artists who design and sew them. Eileen Wright was born and raised in Canada and has been sewing and knitting since she was very young. Vancouver Island has been Eileen's spiritual home since her very first visit, and she has lived there for almost 20 years. She fills her days with designing and creating quilts.

In "Cosmic Twist", Eileen combined floral prints, swirls, dots and batiks in an analogous green-yellow to blue color scheme with a tropical flair. These print fabrics create an interesting surface texture. The detail, including the beautiful quilting by Nadia Wilson, is shown in the close-up below.
Close-up, Cosmic Twist by Eileen Wright, quilting and photo by Nadia Wilson at Nadia Wilson Designs

Nadia Wilson, a representative/dealer of American Professional Quilting Systems (APQS) did the lovely quilting which you can see above. She quilted from corner to corner along the lines of the Bargello design. In this photo you can also see the piecing scheme, and the way in which the rectangles become narrower at the points of the "flames".

Infinity Bargello, 50 x 57", by Eileen Wright

We've seen this stunning "Infinity Bargello" in blue and red, but this version - done in pinks and fuchsias - really glows. All of the designs shown here (and more) can be found in Eileen's bestselling Twist-and-Turn Bargello Quilts (Martingale & Company). One reviewer has said: "I love the fact that she teaches you how to make the simple, traditional
bargello and then brings you into the world of twisted bargellos, which
are quite complicated and a little challenging."

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

We're fascinated by the art of constructing bargello quilts, made of small squares and rectangles of fabric, which produce intriguing swirls and flame-shaped peaks. This week, we are learning more about bargello quilts and the artists who design and sew them. Today we are featuring well known quilt artist Eldrid Røyset Førde, who
lives in Bremanger, an island on the west coast of Norway. She has
exhibited her quilts around the world, including Great Britain's
National Patchwork Championships, the European Quilt Championships, and
the U.S.A.'s Pacific International Quilt Festival.

About Eldrid's stunning "Ormen den Lange" (The Long Serpent) quilt above, she writes, "This is my second Bargello quilt, which I designed myself. It is machine pieced and machine quilted. It was shown at The National Patchwork Championships at Ascot, Great Britain, and at several places in Norway after that. It has been published in "Popular Patchwork" in 1995 and in Norsk Quilteblad in 1996."

One of the many things we enjoy about this quilt is Eldrid's thoughtful
and perfect color selection of yellows, corals, and apricot colorways to
perfectly complement the grapes, magentas, and orchids of the
background. If you'd love to make this gorgeous quilt, the pattern is available for purchase at Eldrid's Kameleon Quilt website. Eldrid has also written an interesting description of the construction process for this quilt, explaining how she pieced the yellow swirl which comprises the serpent, then the background, all on her design wall first, before sewing.

Eldrid writes, "This quilt was made for my eldest sister when she turned 50. I found some black and white photos from childhood and youth, scanned them, and fixed them up in different ways, then all were converted to a blue color to fit in with the overall plan for the quilt. She had recently moved to Hammerfest in the north of Norway, so I thought the Northern Lights could be a fitting theme for the quilt. I selected the fabrics and worked bargello-style to create the sweep of light."

We are very impressed by the creativity Eldrid displays in constructing the background in long dark strips in order to provide a well-defined contrast for the white curved design that showcases her sister's photos. This pattern is also available for purchase on Eldrid's Kameleon Quilt website.

An interesting variation on the traditional Bargello pattern, this quilt has solid color spacing between the flame medallions. Therefore, the pattern looks as if the medallions are divided into individual blocks, which highlights their colors and their unique shape. Eldrid's downloadable pattern contains instructions for strip-piecing this quilt in two sizes: a wall hanging 22 x 30 inches, and a large quilt 70 x 82 inches or 80 x 90 inches with a wider border.

Are you interested in learning more about the history and design process for creating Bargello patterns? The name "Bargello" refers to a type of needlepoint embroidery consisting of upright flat stitches laid in a mathematical pattern to create motifs. The name originates from a series of chairs found in the Bargello palace in Florence. Bargello patterns are formed when vertical stitches are stepped or offset vertically.
The patterns in the steps combined with color changes determines how the overall pattern will emerge. If vertical stitches are stepped down quickly, the design forms sharp points or zig-zags. This type of bargello motif is often known as "flame stitch" as in this hand-embroidered pillow above, designed by Jonathan Adler.

In addition to Bargello embroidery, there are Bargello quilts in which the patterns are constructed with
strips of fabric of the same height but different widths.If steps are gradual, then the design will appear to be curved, as in this black and white quilt below seen at a Mennonite auction.

Image credits: The quilts by Eldrid Røyset Førde are shown with the generous permission of the artist.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

This post is for anyone who loves modern houses, quilting, Japanese fabrics, or hand applique. Marisa Zucek is a quilt historian, appraiser, designer, and instructor whose blog, Quilt Otaku (which means "Quilting Nerd") features all of the above. We are enamored with her stunning Modern House blocks, which were inspired by homes in the California Bay Area. Marisa says: "I have been having a great time designing this modern quilt...it's been a labor of love." There will be a total of 12 patterns in the finished quilt.

Marisa explains her inspiration for the project: "I really enjoy seeing all the modern architecture that we have here in the California Bay Area. I started to research some local modern architects, and the buildings they created, to get inspiration for my applique work. Then I decided to visit a few houses and photograph them in person to get a feel for how they look in real life. It takes a lot of design thought, but I eventually sketch applique quilt blocks based on things I see in the photos. My goal is to capture the spirit of the house in applique, not to make an exact representation. I often simplify the design or alter it a bit to help it fit into a square format." The block shown above is available for purchase (as a PDF download); the photo inspiration is shown below.

Modern House Block Inspiration, house by Malika Junaid, photo by Marisa Zucek at Quilt Otaku

Marisa has been creating these blocks and patterns as a BOM project for the hand applique class she teaches at A Verb For Keeping Warm. In the fabulous block shown above, which was inspired by a house with a view of the Pacific Ocean, you can see a representation of the ocean waves at the far right. The balconies and several windows are represented by hand embroidered lines, and the large exterior fireplace is made in a Japanese taupe fabric to give the appearance of concrete.

The photo above is the 8th block in Marisa's series of Modern Houses. She says: "The house itself is located in Berkeley, CA and is known as the Fish House by locals but is actually the Tsui House. It looks like it would be more at home under the sea than on a relatively normal street. I used taupe fabrics that sort of looked like the ocean to me." In this close-up photo you can see the marvelous applique detail which Marisa has created in the windows, exterior walls and trees.

Quilt Otaku Modern House Block by Marisa Zucek at Quilt Otaku, inspired by Dwell

Marisa has been selling physical full size copies of the patterns at the Verb for Keeping Warm shop. The 10th block pattern is releasing in her class on Sunday, April 22 2012, and the last 2 patterns will be released in her May and June 2012 classes, respectively*. To see more blocks as they will look in the finished quilt - and a photo of Marisa herself - check out her recent post titled Voices in Cloth 2012.

*About the patterns: Marisa also has been working on posting the blocks for PDF purchase at her website, Quilt Otaku. About the patterns, she says: "I do not include applique instructions with the blocks. A quilter would need to have advanced applique skills in order to make the blocks successfully without joining our class. If folks do want to make them and have never done applique before, I do work with people of all experience levels in class."

Image credits: Images are shown with the generous permission of Marisa Zucek. Marisa is a California native who learned quilting from her mother at a young age and doesn’t intend to stop anytime soon. Her aesthetic is deeply rooted in an appreciation for Japanese textiles. She enjoys designing applique blocks and teaching traditional techniques of applique, piecing, and quilting to modern quilters. Marisa likes to talk about her love of quilts, both American and Japanese, in her blog: Quilt Otaku.

Monday, April 16, 2012

There is no doubt that baskets are among the most popular themes in quilting. Filled with flowers or fruit, basket quilts are perfect for spring and summer. As you will see in this Quilt Inspiration Classic, there's almost an endless variety of pretty basket blocks. If you love romantic, graceful patterns that evoke the elegance of yesteryear, we think you'll love these quilts.

As a guest artist and teacher at the esteemed Elly Sienkiewicz Applique Academy in 2010, designer Pearl Pereira created this beautiful Virginia Bouquet. Her stunning design features a tall basket with curved handles that reflect the curves of the stems of the delicate dogwood blossoms, bluebells, and berries. The fruit-laden vines that drape languorously from each side provide a lovely symmetry to this work, while the proud cardinal and inquisitive bumblebee add a joyful touch. The complete quilt, with its red swag border, is shown below.

Virginia Bouquet - full, 26 x 26, by Pearl Pereira

For Virginia Bouquet and more delightful patterns from Pearl, please visit her website, p3designs.

Flower Basket Medallion, 84 x 84, by Kim McLean

Kim McLean has created a marvelous, richly detailed quilt pattern with fabrics designed by Kaffe Fassett, whose bold colors explode right off the page. Brilliant orange-reds, blue-violets, and pinks create a vibrant basket bouquet medallion, surrounded by borders of absolute floral delight. You can purchase the pattern, along with a separate starter fabric pack at Glorious Color.

Sixteen Baskets, 38 x 38, by Kay MacKenzie

These adorable baskets by Kay MacKenzie are brimming with the bounty of life, including flowers, food, valentines, and best of all -- fabric ! The red, white, and blue motif provides country charm to this darling design, and the dogtooth border adds extra sparkle. All 16 of these basket designs are available at her Quilt Puppy website. Kay also has a wonderful blog, All About Applique.

Bekah's Basket Sampler Quilt, 84 x 84, by Betsy Rickles

The irrepressible gaiety of Kaffe Fassett's fabrics are featured in his book Country Garden Quilts, which includes this delightful variation of a Cherry Basket pattern by Betsy Rickles. Instead of a single large appliqued handle, there are smaller handles on each side of the basket, separated by a stack of cherries piled in the basket, which gives a pleasing symmetrical effect. Like most basket blocks, these blocks are set on point, and the vibrant border of half square triangles mirrors the half square triangles of the basket blocks.

We were so excited to discover Common Threads Quilting. The bricks-and-mortar shop is in Waxahachie, Texas, but many products are available online, including the pattern for the cheerful red-and-green quilt shown above. Delphia's Baskets was inspired by an antique quilt in Denice Lipscomb's collection, and the quilt was named in memory of her great-grandmother, Mary Delphia Lowrance. This is just one of Common Threads' original patterns.

Ashley's Flower Basket, 18 x 18, by Sue Nickels and Pat Holly

Sue Nickels and her sister Pat Holly, both award-winning quilters, have designed an applique guaranteed to brighten up any room in your home. Sage green, tomato red, and sky blue blend together perfectly for this basket design, and the red border with prairie points adds an extra pop to the background. Suitable for a confident beginner, this quilt pattern is available from Sue Nickels' website. As a bonus, the pattern is included for the sprightly feather quilting design around the border. For more ideas on creating appliqued floral displays in containers, please see Sue Nickels' and Pat Holly's book, Stitched Raw Edge Applique.

Hawaiian Rainbow Basket Quilt, Red and White Variation, by Lisa Boyer

For a basket quilt with a modern twist, here's an adorable cherry basket quilt made from a variety of luscious red fabrics. For a traditional look, Lisa has pieced one large wide triangle for the main part of the basket, with two small triangles for the base. She has then turned the square block on the diagonal and appliqued the curved handle. Lisa has achieved a lovely contrast by using white background fabric to really make the baskets come alive. The pattern can be obtained at Lisa Boyer's website.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

What do you think about chickens: do they make perfect pets, or noisy neighbors? Whether you raise them or not, chickens bring to mind sunny breakfasts in country kitchens. Here are free patterns for flamboyant roosters and funky chickens! Note: This post was updated on July 17, 2017.

Image credits: Individual images are copyrighted by their owners. Please respect their generosity in sharing their free patterns, and the restrictions they have placed on the use of these designs; complete information can be found at the designers' websites provided in the links. The image mosaics shown on this page are the property of Quilt Inspiration; please do not copy them without permission. If any links are broken, we'd love to know; email us at Quilt Inspiration.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Here's the second part of our visit to the Guild of Quilters of Contra Costa County, in Concord, California. This is not a large guild, but their talented members do some exceptional work! Today, we are showing some quilts whose bright colors and themes of renewal serve to remind us that spring is in the air.

Helen Anderson says, "The Sankofa Bird - go back and fetch it - reminds us to call upon the insight, courage, and determination of our ancestors and to apply their wisdom to our present situation. A healing took place as I worked on the blue blocks which represent the ocean voyage that the Africans were forced to endure after having been abducted from their homeland, brought to the "new world" and sold into human bondage. I no longer feel the hatred, anger, or shame I initially felt as a result of these atrocities. Thankfully.......I have been able to attain peace within myself...without the strong, visceral reactions I suffered previously. Donna Baker and I machine quilted this quilt." We found this quilt to be both very emotionally very moving and artistically very impressive.

Close-up, Recall The Journey - The Middle Passage by Helen Anderson

The thread painting of the center bird was breathtaking. We were especially awed by the intricate threadwork on the tailfeathers. Helen writes, "Theresa Littleton and I did the seed stitching (around the outside of the bird) in December 2011. "

Cindy writes, "I have always loved irises, and when I saw this pattern while going through a friend's old quilting books, I knew I had to try it. I had recently used Cherrywood Fabrics for another quilt and decided the sueded cotton would be a good choice for this one........ I enjoyed putting the colors together to make my hand appliqued iris garden and have most of the colors I used [in this quilt] in live irises in my yard. It took me nearly two years to hand quilt this queen size quilt..... It was all I could do to complete this quilt for the 2012 show. I had to machine quilt around and through the irises because of the many layers- too many to hand quilt. This was my biggest hand quilting endeavor to date, and I don't think I will try another queen size quilt in the near future !"

Close-up, Cindy's Iris Garden by Cindy Greco

The very careful and accurate hand quilting that you see here is perfect for showcasing the arrangement of leaves and petals of the irises.

Susan Terry writes, "This quilt is owned by Leslie Finta. The bird pattern I designed from memory from a friend's quilt; the background, leaves, and critters are my own design." We loved the use of complementary grape purple and yellow, along with the very lively effect of the scrap-pieced sashing.

Close-up, Birds of a Feather by Susan B. Terry

Susan has expertly used both print and solid color fabrics in a way which creates energy and visual interest. This little bird displays such personality as he emerges from his house and bursts into song.

Kathryn's description is short and sweet. She says, "I saw this quilt pattern in a shop. I made it into a "happy quilt". It was fun to do." We'd like to add that we love Kathryn's use of 1930's retro colors of bubble-gum pink, sage green, and French blue to create these captivating flowers and the wide-eyed birds who live among them. The pattern is from the book, My Whimsical Quilt Garden: 20 Bird & Flower Blocks to Applique, by Linda Jenkins and Becky Goldsmith at Piece O'Cake Designs.

Close-up, Whimsical Garden by Kathryn Kluever

You can almost hear the music as the "bluebird of happiness" opens his mouth in song. The polka-dot and candy-cane striped fabric of the flowers really helps them to "pop" off the machine-quilted block's background.

Wild Flowers by Valeria Furtado

Here's a beautiful and colorful tribute to the time-honored tradition of English paper-piecing. ﻿This "Grandma's Flower Garden" hexagonal pattern is a well-loved design of so many quilters. Here's it seems as if the viewer is flying over fields of wildflowers who turn their faces to the sun in a happy array of both warm and cool hues.